over-skirt of elegantly-wrought Parisian lace, and a
spray of pearls and diamonds flashed their brilliant rays through the
luxuriant dark curls that clustered round her pale, sweet brow, and fell
in rich profusion over her white, uncovered shoulders.

Rufus was arrayed in a glossy garb of the finest black broadcloth, with
a spotless vest of pearl-tinted satin, and immaculate white kids. His
dark visage, small, peering black eyes, and low-bred, clownish aspect,
contrasted strangely with the brilliant creature at his side.

The maids and groomsmen were in splendid attire, and looked proud and
delighted with the notice their position attracted from the assembled
groups.

Then came Major Howard, with a beaming countenance; his invalid lady,
who had summoned all her strength and fortitude to be present on the
occasion, leaning on his arm.

Col. Malcome rose politely and gave her a seat on the sofa beside his
daughter, assuming himself a chair on the opposite side of the room.

Hannah Doliver, in a very elaborate dress of gay plaided silk, her jet
black hair twisted into wiry ringlets, sat before her mistress, holding
a fan and silver vial, to serve the invalid's need, should the unusual
excitement produce a sudden nervous attack.

A significant glance was exchanged between Major Howard and Col.
Malcome, when the latter arose, and, bowing to the clergyman who was to
officiate on the occasion, said: "All is in readiness to proceed with
the ceremony."

The man of God came slowly forward, with a grave and solemn aspect. As
he was about to request the bridal group to rise, a stamping of heavy
feet on the piazza outside the windows arrested his words; and directly
the hall door was flung open with furious vehemence, and a party,
consisting of four tall, brawny men, in dripping hats and overcoats,
rushed into the apartment, leaving the door wide open behind them, with
the storm rushing in upon the assembly in its wildest fury.

Col. Malcome sprang to his feet, his face glowing with anger at this
most untimely and insulting intrusion.

"_Arrest that man!_" exclaimed the foremost of the strangers, pointing
his arm toward the form of the colonel, who stood glowering upon the
speaker with wrathful aspect.

"For what?" said Major Howard, leaping from his seat, as two strong men
rushed forward to execute the command.

"For destroying your buildings by fire, on the night of the twelfth of
January last," said the man who had